The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation (Foundation) invites community service groups in rural, suburban and/or urban settings, as well as independent producers and agribusinesses to apply for a series of grants for 2010 to fund programs highlighting agriculture and its impact on the community.

The competitively awarded $1,000 to $3,000 Agricultural Action and Awareness Grants are designed to support programs and projects focusing on agricultural education, ecological and/or economic development.

Applicants need not have non-profit status from the IRS, but should be sponsored/supported by and/or work in conjunction with a nonprofit entity. Matching funds and/or resources are required.

Program proposals, along with the required application cover sheet, resources inventory and certification statement must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2009. Evaluation of the proposals and award announcements will occur December 9, with grant funding beginning January 2, 2010.

Additional information, materials and guidelines may be downloaded by clicking on the links below or by contacting the Foundation via phone at 614-246-8904, fax at 614-249-2200 or e-mail Foundation@ofbf.org.

Founded in 1985, The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501 (c ) (3) not-for-profit, public, charitable organization registered in the State of Ohio. Over the past two decades the Foundation has been involved in a variety of programs focusing on agricultural education, economic research and rural development. Recent projects completed by the Foundation include the endowment for the C. William Swank Chair for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development and funding for the new Nationwide – Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. Both projects are associated with The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.